Polite Ways to Say ‘I will check and get back to you’
When someone asks you a question you cannot answer immediately, the direct phrase “I will check and get back to you” is clear, but it can sound a little flat or impersonal in professional settings. The most polite way to say this is to acknowledge the person’s time, show that you take their request seriously, and give a clear expectation of when they will hear from you. For example, “Let me look into that for you, and I will follow up by the end of the day.” This article gives you the best polite, professional, and natural alternatives for emails, conversations, and workplace speaking.
Quick Answer: What to Say Instead
If you need a polite alternative right now, use one of these three phrases depending on your situation:
- For email: “I will investigate this and update you shortly.”
- For a conversation: “Let me confirm the details and get right back to you.”
- For a formal setting: “I will review the information and revert to you at my earliest opportunity.”
Each of these shows respect for the other person’s question and sets a clear expectation.
Why “I will check and get back to you” Can Sound Weak
The original phrase is not rude, but it is vague. It does not tell the listener when you will respond or how you will help. In professional environments, vague promises can make you seem disorganized or uninterested. Polishing this phrase shows that you value the other person’s time and that you are reliable.
Polite Alternatives for Different Situations
For Professional Emails
In email, you have space to be more specific. Use these alternatives to sound both polite and efficient.
| Instead of | Say this | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| I will check and get back to you. | I will look into this and follow up with you by tomorrow. | Gives a clear deadline. |
| I will check and get back to you. | Let me verify the details and I will revert to you shortly. | Uses professional vocabulary (“revert”). |
| I will check and get back to you. | I will review the information and update you as soon as possible. | Shows urgency and care. |
For Workplace Speaking (In Person or on the Phone)
When speaking directly, your tone and body language matter. These phrases sound natural and respectful.
- “That is a great question. Let me confirm the details and I will come back to you in a few minutes.”
- “I want to make sure I give you the correct answer. Let me check with the team and get back to you.”
- “Give me a moment to look that up, and I will get right back to you.”
For Formal or High-Stakes Situations
If you are speaking to a client, a senior manager, or in a formal written report, use these more structured alternatives.
- “I will undertake a thorough review of the matter and provide you with a comprehensive response.”
- “Please allow me some time to investigate this thoroughly. I will revert with my findings.”
- “I will consult the relevant department and ensure you receive an accurate update.”
Comparison Table: Formal vs. Casual Versions
| Situation | Casual / Friendly | Polite / Professional | Formal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colleague asks a quick question | Let me check and I will tell you. | Let me look into that and get back to you. | I will investigate and report back. |
| Client asks for information | I will find out and let you know. | I will confirm the details and follow up. | I will review the matter and revert. |
| Boss asks for an update | I will check and come back to you. | I will verify the information and update you. | I will conduct a review and provide a response. |
Natural Examples
Here are complete sentences you can adapt for your own writing or speaking.
Email Examples
Example 1 (Polite and clear):
“Thank you for your question about the project timeline. I will check with the team and get back to you with a confirmed date by the end of the day.”
Example 2 (Formal and reassuring):
“I appreciate you bringing this to my attention. I will investigate the issue thoroughly and revert to you with a detailed update within 24 hours.”
Example 3 (Short and professional):
“Let me look into this for you. I will follow up shortly.”
Conversation Examples
Example 1 (In a meeting):
“That is a good point. I do not have the exact numbers right now, but let me confirm them and I will get back to you before the end of the meeting.”
Example 2 (On the phone):
“I want to make sure I give you accurate information. Let me check our records, and I will call you back within the hour.”
Example 3 (Casual with a coworker):
“Good question. I am not sure off the top of my head. Let me check and I will let you know.”
Common Mistakes
English learners often make these errors when trying to sound polite. Avoid them.
Mistake 1: Forgetting to say “you”
Wrong: “I will check and get back.”
Right: “I will check and get back to you.”
The phrase “get back” needs an object. Without “to you,” it sounds incomplete.
Mistake 2: Promising too much
Wrong: “I will check and get back to you in five minutes.” (If you cannot keep that promise.)
Right: “I will check and get back to you as soon as possible.” or “I will check and get back to you by the end of the day.”
Only give a specific time if you are sure you can meet it.
Mistake 3: Using “revert” incorrectly
Wrong: “I will revert back to you.”
Right: “I will revert to you.”
“Revert” already means “go back.” Adding “back” is redundant. Also, “revert” is more common in British and Indian English; in American English, “get back to you” or “follow up” is more natural.
Mistake 4: Sounding too casual in a formal email
Wrong: “I will check and get back to you, okay?”
Right: “I will check and get back to you with the information.”
Avoid “okay?” or “alright?” at the end of professional emails. It can sound uncertain or too informal.
Better Alternatives for Specific Contexts
When you need to ask someone else first
- “Let me consult with my colleague and I will get back to you.”
- “I need to verify this with the relevant department. I will follow up shortly.”
When you need time to research
- “I will do some research and provide you with a complete answer.”
- “Let me review the documentation and I will revert to you.”
When you want to sound very polite and respectful
- “I appreciate your patience. I will look into this and get back to you as soon as I have the information.”
- “Thank you for waiting. I will confirm the details and update you.”
Mini Practice Section
Test your understanding. Choose the best option for each situation.
1. A client emails you asking for a price list. You need to check with your manager. What do you reply?
a) I will check and get back.
b) Let me confirm the current pricing with my manager, and I will send you the list by tomorrow.
c) I will check and get back to you, okay?
Answer: b. It is specific, polite, and gives a clear timeline.
2. A coworker asks you a quick question during a meeting. You do not know the answer.
a) I do not know.
b) That is a good question. Let me check and I will get back to you right after the meeting.
c) I will check and get back to you.
Answer: b. It acknowledges the question and sets a clear expectation.
3. You are writing a formal email to a senior manager. Which is best?
a) I will check and get back to you.
b) I will investigate the matter and revert to you with my findings.
c) Let me check and I will tell you.
Answer: b. It uses formal vocabulary and sounds professional.
4. You promised to get back to someone by 3 PM, but it is now 2:45 PM and you are still checking. What do you say?
a) I am still checking. I will get back to you when I am done.
b) I am still reviewing the information. I will update you by 3 PM as promised.
c) I will check and get back to you.
Answer: b. It reassures the person that you are on track and keeps your promise.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is “I will revert to you” correct English?
Yes, it is correct and commonly used in professional English, especially in British, Indian, and other Commonwealth varieties. In American English, “get back to you” or “follow up” is more common. Both are polite when used correctly.
2. Can I say “I will check and get back to you” in a formal email?
It is acceptable but not the most polished choice. For formal emails, use a more specific phrase like “I will review the information and revert to you” or “I will investigate and provide an update.”
3. How do I say this politely when I am very busy?
You can say: “Thank you for your patience. I have several items to review, but I will prioritize your request and get back to you by [time].” This shows respect without overpromising.
4. What if I forget to get back to someone?
Apologize briefly and politely. For example: “I apologize for the delay. I am following up now with the information you requested.” Then provide the answer. A short apology followed by action is better than a long excuse.
Final Tip
The key to sounding polite is not just the words you choose, but the clarity and respect you show. Always tell the other person when they can expect to hear from you, and then follow through. This builds trust and makes you someone people enjoy working with.
For more everyday polite phrases, visit our Polite Everyday Phrases section. If you need help with workplace communication, check out our Workplace Speaking Phrases guide. For questions about our content, please see our FAQ or contact us.
